More than 1 Year Later, SC Still Has No Hack Attack Plan
Eighteen months ago, hackers broke into the South Carolina Department of Revenue and stole social security numbers and tax information for millions of the state’s residents and businesses. The hack attack targeted records dating back as far as the late 90’s, and potentially compromised people who no longer lived in South Carolina. Dependent information was also stolen, putting children at risk of identity theft.
Despite a hack attack bill filed in the Senate, however, state agencies reported on Tuesday, April 2nd, that they still had no consistent plan to handle another large hack attack.
“It’s a difficult process that’s probably not moving as quickly as we would like,” Sen. Joel Lourie, D-Richland, said after a Finance Committee hearing.
Just two weeks after South Carolina’s Department of Revenue suffered a serious hack attack, Finance Committee Chairman Sen. Hugh Leatherman assigned Sen. Kevin Bryant (R-Anderson) and Sen. Billy O’Dell (R-Abbeville) to investigate the breach. Three months later, the hack attack security bill was ready to be filed. And over a year later, no action has been taken to pass the bill.
After the hack attack, the State Budget and Control Board also offered several suggestions to improve security at state agencies, including dual password programs and laptop encryption measures. The board received $10.9 million this year to buy new technology and build up an information security department, and it has already stated that it would like $20.7 million for the same purposes next year.
In addition to the State Budget and Control Board’s budget, the DOR received $20 million last year after the hack attack, with $12 million ear-marked for credit monitoring for victims. The DOR has requested $10 million for credit monitoring this year, although the free offer was supposed to extend for only one year.
Although the state gave several agencies money to put post-hack attack security measures in place, there is still no centralized policy or office to protect agencies and citizens from another larger hack attack. Kyle Herron, the new head of the state division of technology, said his office is gathering information about cyber security and hack attack preparedness from various agencies around South Carolina, but not much was known at this point. He said that, while cyber security has improved across the state, “It’s very hard to quantify a specific number to say what that is.”
Mike Wyatt, security and privacy director for Deloitte Consultants, which was offered a $3 million contract last year to address the state’s hack attack concerns and preparedness, suggested that the economic downturn affected many local and state agencies so much that their budget is spent almost entirely on their current operations.
“The core mission of the agencies takes the bulk of (their) funding,” Wyatt said. He added that the best way to truly improve cyber security and prevent another hack attack would be to adopt a centralized security operation that agencies are required to follow.
The Strom Law Firm Can Help With Social Security Problems in South Carolina
If past problems with your records affect your ability to apply for Social Security or Social Security Disability in the state of South Carolina, the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm can help. Social Security can be complex. Not understanding the basics and not having counsel can leave you in a bind. We understand that you need your benefits. We will put our years of experience to work for you to ensure that you have the representation necessary to actively pursue your claim. Call the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm today to discuss your Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income case today. We will be glad to discuss any questions you may have during our free, confidential consultation. Call the experienced attorneys at the Strom Law Firm at (803)252-4800.
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